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Dolphins: Playoff Ready?

May 21, 2006

Questions, questions: All 32 NFL teams have them heading into the 2006 season. Today, we're addressing the Dolphins' burning question:

Will the team end its five-year playoff drought?

Let's get the answer out of the way first: Yes. And there are many reasons for it.

The momentum from last season is a good place to start. This team finished with six consecutive victories to go 9-7, a big contrast from the Dave Wannstedt era, where the Dolphins gradually went colder along with the weather.

That confidence should carry over into 2006, especially with Nick Saban's leadership behind it. His Belichickian style, both in on-field scheming and motivational manner, gets a boost with veteran schemers Dom Capers and Mike Mularkey working under him. And all three coaches have plenty with whom to work.

The addition of big-armed Daunte Culpepper changes the face of the passing game, and the subtraction of Ricky Williams allows second-year Ronnie Brown to reinvigorate the running game. The offensive line, once much maligned, jelled in '05, allowing only 26 sacks and helping the backs get 4.3 yards per carry.

Really, the defense has more room and need for improvement. While stalwarts such as end Jason Taylor and middle linebacker Zach Thomas can remain productive, the team has injected much-needed youth around them. That movement is noticeable in the back seven, with rookie safety Jason Allen, and two second-year players, cornerback Travis Daniels and linebacker Channing Crowder.

An organized head coach, two bright coordinators, a mix of reliable veterans and versatile youngsters: Sound familiar? It should -- that foundation has won Super Bowls for New England and Pittsburgh.

Speaking of New England, I think the Dolphins are a little shy of the Patriots' level. Playoff inexperience is the obvious difference; the other is a question at quarterback.

While Tom Brady has proved himself with rings, Culpepper needs to prove a couple things: That his knee is healthy and his erratic end to his Vikings tenure is behind him.

The good news is that he's had a long time to rehab, is eager to get a fresh start and has a nice supporting cast -- Brown, the line, Chris Chambers, Marty Booker, Randy McMichael among them.

So, the pros still outweigh the cons enough to pick the Dolphins as a wild-card entry. Week 1 brings a trip to Pittsburgh and the season closes with a trip to Indianapolis, but in between, the schedule is quite favorable, which can't be said for similarly built '05 wild cards Jacksonville and Cincinnati.

While I'm not ready to sing "Miami Dolphins, Miami Dolphins No. 1" just yet, I think after a dormant half-decade, just being No. 6 in the AFC is a big step forward toward restoring their winning tradition.

For the first critical look at the 2006 Miami Dolphins, go to the Dolphins Offseason Support Group in Pro Football War Room.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=94352

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